2020 GMC Sierra 3500 Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 19about this part
- Share
- 37%of 51 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 108,000miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 19 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2020 GMC Sierra 3500, 37% of the 51 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 108,000 miles. 3 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers. 2 recall campaigns on record are filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“driving 65mph on interstate, attempted to change lanes to pass slower vehicle and pressed upon accelerator pedal...truck violently skidded to a stop and sent me onto shoulder, many vehicles behind me swerved to avoid my vehicle. GM wont repair and says since they cant replicate its not really happening. this has happened twice in last 2 weeks.”
NHTSA complaint #11602485, filed 2024-07“Valve body failed while pulling my camper down the interstate. Transmission began to have issues and locked up on us while driving. Luckily i was able to avoid any accidents. Had truck towed to a private Transmission shop to have the transmission repaired. Shop advised the failure was due to the faulty valve body.”
NHTSA complaint #11654874, filed 2025-04“I was driving approximately 60mph pulling a trailer when the back tires locked up for approximately 2 seconds. This happened 3 times within 30 minutes. I've taken it to the GM repair shop. They have seen this happen to 3 or 4 vehicles. Due to not being able to replicate the fault it has been difficult to diagnose. They are going to replace the transmission valve body hoping that will take care of the issue. This is extremely dangerous to everyone on the road when this happens. …”
NHTSA complaint #11585881, filed 2024-04“The exhaust system is directed to the rear of the vehicle and when towing causes extreme heat to build on the item being towed, in my case a 5th wheel camper. The heat has melted the trim on my camper and is a potential fire hazard.”
NHTSA complaint #11485406, filed 2022-09“I have a complaint about the recall response from both nasal and gm. I feel the cure is substandard. Why not just put new transmission control modules in to correct this problem. Very disappointed”
NHTSA complaint #11626032, filed 2024-11Related recalls
- 26V083000Feb 12, 2026General Motors, LLC is recalling certain 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, 3500, GMC Sierra 2500, 3500, and 2020-2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra…Covers: GMC Sierra 3500 2020, Sierra 1500 2020–2022, Chevrolet Silverado 1500 2020–2022 +3 more
- 24V797000Oct 24, 2024General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 2500, 3500, GMC Sierra 1500, 2500, 3500, 2021 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade…Covers: GMC Sierra 3500 2020–2022, Sierra 2500 2020–2022, Sierra 1500 2020–2022 +9 more
Related service bulletins
- 11024189Oct 9, 2025Certain vehicles listed above, may have a condition where the transmission control valve has worn, resulting in a gradual loss of pressure within the valve. The effects can cause…
- 11026024Jun 3, 2025This bulletin helps aid the tech in possible 10L100 transmission noise that may be normal or abnormal depending on the concern noted.
- 11020259May 8, 2025This technical bulletin provides a procedure to inspect the front pump of the transmission for a possible leak.
- 11019516Apr 17, 2025This preliminary informational (PI) bulletin provides information to dealership personnel that may be helpful when addressing underbody component corrosion with customers.
- 11017255Mar 25, 2025This service bulletin helps diagnose/reduce possible CCND issues on Transfer Cases - Service 4WD on DIC, Intermittent Failures, Noise Concerns, Driveline/Steering…
- 11013150Jan 28, 2025Certain vehicles listed above, may have a condition where the transmission control valve has worn, resulting in a gradual loss of pressure within the valve. The effects can cause…
- 11013069Jan 9, 2025This bulletin provides information on identifying Non-GM Engine Calibrations for Gasoline Engines using the Tech 2 or GDS 2.
- 11011880Dec 17, 2024Certain vehicles listed above, may have a condition where the transmission control valve has worn, resulting in a gradual loss of pressure within the valve. The effects can cause…
- 11011826Dec 13, 2024Certain vehicles listed above, may have a condition where the transmission control valve has worn, resulting in a gradual loss of pressure within the valve. The effects can cause…
- 11011780Dec 12, 2024Certain vehicles listed above, may have a condition where the transmission control valve has worn, resulting in a gradual loss of pressure within the valve. The effects can cause…
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 2 | 40% |
| 2025 | 1 | 6% |
| 2024 | 13 | 25% |
| 2023 | 14 | 50% |
| 2022 | 6 | 19% |
| 2021 | 7 | 35% |
| 2020 | 19 | 37% |
| 2019 | 1 | 8% |
| 2018 | 1 | 7% |
| 2017 | 3 | 23% |
| 2016 | 2 | 11% |
| 2015 | 1 | 3% |
| 2014 | 1 | 14% |
| 2013 | 2 | 14% |
| 2012 | 3 | 33% |
| 2011 | 2 | 10% |
| 2009 | 2 | 40% |
| 2008 | 1 | 4% |
| 2007 | 2 | 13% |
| 2006 | 3 | 27% |
| 2004 | 1 | 4% |
| 2003 | 1 | 14% |
| 2000 | 3 | 12% |
| 1997 | 2 | 20% |
Other parts of the 2020 GMC Sierra 3500
9 complaintsBrakes
7 complaintsEngine
6 complaintsFuel system
6 complaintsOther or unknown
6 complaintsBody and structure
5 complaintsTires
4 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
2 complaintsAir bags
1 complaintsEngine cooling
1 complaintsExterior lighting
1 complaintsForward collision avoidance
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2020 GMC Sierra 3500
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology